Prep football: Granger churns out win over Viewmont

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Bountiful • It wasn't pretty, and it certainly wasn't easy, but the Granger Lancers are 1-0 in Region 2 after a 19-13 road win over Viewmont.

The game couldn't have started worse for the Lancers, who fumbled on their first play from scrimmage to give Viewmont ideal field position at the Granger 13.

Linebacker Mone Latu recorded two sacks on the Vikings' first position, which prompted a long field goal that just missed.

"Coming off a tough loss last week, we just came together and played hard and played like family," Latu said.

The Vikings had trouble moving the ball all night, but coach Brad Lloyd went to his bag of tricks late in the first quarter.

Quarterback Hunter Anfinson found Blake Williams in the right flat, and Williams turned and completed a 64-yard touchdown strike to Riley Loveless.

Granger, which was breaking in Alex Tuinei at quarterback, only could manage three points by halftime.

Tailback Tani Lehauli got things going in the third quarter with a 6-yard touchdown run that Lancers coach Cecil Thomas attributed to great offensive line play.

"The big guys up front really got the pile moving in the second half," Thomas said.

Tuinei, who made several big plays with his feet, put the Lancers in the driver's seat with a 10-yard touchdown pass to former starting quarterback turned receiver Jairo Tarver to give Granger a 19-7 lead early in the fourth quarter.

"Alex was really good tonight, and we think he'll only get better with more reps," Thomas said.

Viewmont added a late score to close the gap, but an incomplete pass on fourth-and-1 with about four minutes left ultimately sealed its fate.

"To come up here and get a win to open region is huge," said Latu, who finished with 3 1/2 sacks.

Granger (5-1, 1-0) is at Hunter next week, while Viewmont, (0-6, 0-1) travels to Taylorsville. 

• The Granger Lancers trailed at halftime, but ground out a 19-13 victory behind 138 yards rushing from Tani Lehauli.

• Granger starting quarterback Alex Tuinei, who was making his first start, picked up 72 yards rushing and threw a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to help the Lancers extend their lead.

• A Viewmont offense that has struggled all season looked better Friday. Backup QB Max Hadlock did bring some life to the passing game late in the second half.